Sunday

Tell Brazil to Help Syrian Protesters

Avaaz - 24 hours: Tell Brazil Help Syrian ProtestersUNSC: Tens of thousands of Syrians have been murdered, tortured, disappeared and driven from their homes in a terrifying crackdown by government forces to silence peaceful pro-democracy protesters. The Brazilian government knows this, but shockingly it is threatening to vote against a resolution that could help end the violence at the United Nations Security Council.

Despite two months of horrific reports from Syria, the UNSC has so far done nothing. Now within 24 hours, it could vote to put maximum pressure on Syrian President Basharal-Assad to stop this repression, but without Brazil's support the resolution will fail. Most Council members are in favour of robust action to pressure the regime, but Russia and China have threatened to veto the resolution. If Brazil votes to condemn Assad, they will be isolated, and will be far more likely to abstain and let the motion pass.

Today Brazil has a choice -- stand as global leader on human rights or consent to unimaginable brutality against innocent civilians. We know the President and Foreign Minister are sensitive to public pressure, and we can't let our leaders stand by while more and more brave men, women and even children are mutilated and shot. Let's build a massive petition -- sign now, and every time 10,000 new people sign, we will send a fax to the President and Foreign Minister.

HRW - News

ENGLISH FOLK POEM, 1764

ENGLISH FOLK POEM, 1764

They hang the man and flog the womanThat steal the goose from off the common,But let the greater villain looseThat steals the common from the goose.The law demands that we atoneWhen we take things we do not ownBut leaves the lords and ladies fineWho take things that are yours and mine.

The poor and wretched don't escapeIf they conspire the law to break;This must be so but they endureThose who conspire to make the law.

The law locks up the man and womanWho steals the goose from off the common;And geese will still a common lackTill they go and steal it back.